Finnish singer Seija Simola has passed away at the age of 72. She represented Finland at the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Anna rakkaudelle tilaisuus” (Give love a chance).

Born in Helsinki to the painter Urpo Simola and gymnast Anita Lappalainen, Seija began her musical career at the age of 18, singing with orchestras in dance halls. In 1970, she released an album as part of the Eero, Seija & Kristian trio, as well as her debut solo album Seija Simola 1.

Seija quickly became one of Finland’s most popular singers of the 1970’s, releasing a further six studio albums that decade alone. Her biggest hits included “Maritza”, as well as “Et itkeä saa Argentiina”, a Finnish translation of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from the musical Evita.

In addition, Seija also recorded a number of cover versions of ABBA songs, including “Waterloo” and “Fernando”.

Seija took part in Finland’s national selection for Eurovision for four consecutive years between 1972 and 1975. She came closest to winning in 1973, where she placed second as part of the group Paradise, singing “One, Two, Three”.

In 1978 Seija returned to the national selection, this time winning, and earning the right to represent Finland at Eurovision with “Anna rakkaudelle tilaisuus”. Unfortunately, the song placed 18th out of 20 entries, being awarded only two points, and was the lowest placing Finnish entry of the decade.

https://youtu.be/99M229W5C6M

However, Seija continued with her career, releasing music throughout the early and mid 1980’s, with the 1986 LP Seija being her last solo record.

Sadly Seija had to stop singing entirely in 2011 after her vocal chords were damaged during failed surgery.

Seija passed away on the 20th of August and leaves behind one adult son to former husband Pekka Hartonen. We at wiwibloggs send our deepest condolences to Seija’s family and friends.

Read more Finland Eurovision news

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xRavenXP
6 years ago

R.I.P Seija Simola. You will live forever in our hearts. Thanks for the wonderful finnish music.

Charles
Charles
6 years ago

When things were done with elegance and class, dignity and respect towards music and musicians … and not into a carnival MTV-esque-forever-teen show. I am expecting for the time where countries will send diss entries against each other like children hating one another for no reason. I mean Russia seems to be the Taylor Swift of Eurovision so I expect them to come up with a song acting like a victim and blaming everybody and everything for all the damage. It’s more than politics, it’s the ego speaking volumes … but always … for no reason. RIP Seija and RIP… Read more »

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Charles

What about Germany 1979? Or UK 1959? Weren’t they just as gimmicky just as well? And we also had Portugal 1982 with their weird costumes as well.

Maya G
Maya G
6 years ago

I just love her entry in 1978. I guess it was doomed to fail being a gentle little song in a competition that is all about the Boum-badaboum, but that’s why I love it.
Rest in peace Seija.

TheDrMistery
TheDrMistery
6 years ago

It’s good to see that poor ESC showing didn’t break her career at home. Good for Wiwibloggs to remember about participants from older contests. Condolences for family and her fans.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

That’s really sad. RIP Seija! 🙁

FANNY
FANNY
6 years ago

R.i.p Seija. You gave us one of the best entries of Finland. It was such a beautiful song. Your voice was warm and strong. You were really talented. You’ll be in our hearts <3

azaad
azaad
6 years ago

RIP Seija